Sitaphal Phirni - The Magical Dessert Made Easy

The Allure of Phirni

Phirni is a beloved dessert in North Indian cuisine, known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Traditionally made with milk and rice, Phirni is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The addition of rice enhances its protein content, making it an energy-boosting treat. One of the best aspects of Phirni is its versatility; it can be prepared ahead of time and served as needed, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings and celebrations.

Variations of Phirni

Phirni comes in various flavors, each offering a unique twist to the classic recipe. When infused with fruits, Phirni takes on a new dimension of taste and appeal. The Sitaphal (custard apple) variant is particularly enchanting, offering a delightful surprise to those who try it.

Sitaphal Phirni Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 4 tablespoons rice flour
• 4 to 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 cups custard apple (Sitaphal) pulp, deseeded
• Finely chopped almonds and pistachios for garnish

Preparation Time

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time

• 20 minutes

Serves

• 4

Instructions

1. Mix Rice Flour and Milk: Combine 4 tablespoons of rice flour with half a cup of milk.
2. Boil Milk: In a pan, bring 1 liter of full-fat milk to a boil.
3. Add Rice Flour Mixture: Once the milk is boiling, add the cold rice flour and milk mixture to the hot milk.
4. Cook the Mixture: Continue boiling until the rice flour is fully cooked.
5. Add Sugar: Stir in sugar to taste.
6. Cool the Mixture: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, during which it will thicken.
7. Add Custard Apple Pulp: Once cooled, mix in the custard apple pulp.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with finely chopped almonds and pistachios before serving.

Health Benefits of Sitaphal

Custard apple, or Sitaphal, is not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits:

• Rich in Vitamin C: Acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals.
• High in Vitamin A: Beneficial for hair, eyes, and skin health.
• Magnesium Content: Acts as a natural laxative and protects against heart diseases.
• Nutrient-Rich: Contains potassium, Vitamin B6, and copper.
• Dietary Fiber: Aids in digestion.
• Low Fat: Helps maintain optimal health.
• Topical Uses: The paste can be applied to boils, and unripe fruit can be dried and used to treat dysentery.
• Treats Anemia: Also serves as an effective expectorant, coolant, and stimulant.

Interesting Stats

• Custard Apple Production: India is one of the largest producers of custard apples, with an annual production of approximately 1.2 million metric tons (Source: FAO).
• Nutritional Value: 100 grams of custard apple provides about 94 calories, 23.64 grams of carbohydrates, and 2.1 grams of dietary fiber (Source: USDA).

Additional Resources

For a visual guide to making Sitaphal Phirni, check out this YouTube video. To explore more exciting recipes, subscribe to the Kitchen Library YouTube channel, which offers new recipes every Wednesday and Saturday.

For those interested in expanding their culinary repertoire, consider getting a copy of the Tarla Dalal Kitchen Library, available at TeleSky Shopping. The Kitchen Library includes:

• DVDs: 3 DVDs with step-by-step video demonstrations of 180 recipes.
• Books: 15 books covering 875 recipes.

Phirni, especially the Sitaphal variant, is a timeless dessert that continues to captivate taste buds with its rich flavor and nutritional benefits. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, Sitaphal Phirni is sure to impress.